I’ve done a little research into the process of buying an engagement ring. If I buy in a store, stay away from chains and go independent, yet online can beat both chains and independent, but not being able to see the stone can be tricky.

I went into an independent store last night and gave them the description of the ring my gf loves. Turns out they had the perfect ring in store. The cost of that ring is $7200(Canadian). It is a halo style, slim platinum band with diamonds on the band. She likes the round/cushion diamond with a four point setting (preferably round with the four point setting).

The $7200 ring fit all of these requirements on her end. I believe they told me the diamond was a half carat. My budget is $5000 (Canadian) max, and the exact same ring the store can offer, the diamond was significantly smaller. I was rather nervous last night and the store was close to closing, so I didn’t ask all the questions I should have regarding cut and clarity etc. So I emailed the store today to find out those details.

Anyhow, I guess I am looking for some advice on where you believe I can get the best bang for my buck? I’ve been looking at Blue Nile quite a bit, and they seem to have good customer reviews.

I guess for a slim platinum band with diamonds on it, a halo style with a round diamond with a four point setting, what do you believe would be the best sized diamond I can get for the centre, and where to get it from etc? Sorry if the message is a little vague? I just want to make sure I get the highest quality and best cut diamond I can, without it being tiny.

Thanks so much.

Steve

A:

Hi Steve,

You can definitely get the best bang for your buck by purchasing your loose diamond and ring online. This is because there is less mark-ups and need to recover costs (store fronts have to pay for employee salaries, electricity, heating, etc. which all translate to higher retail prices).

Blue Nile halo engagement ring

If you are looking for a round brilliant set in a halo-setting with pave set diamonds on the band for $5K Canadian, then I recommend the following:

Your Service Is PRICELESS For Nervous Guys Like Me Who Don’t Have A Clue About Any Of This Stuff

Q:

Hey Liz,

Thanks so much for the swift reply and for the advice. I love the band you selected, and think Michelle would love it too. I guess since this will be my last correspondence with you (2 right?), then I should get all of my questions out right now, haha.

I know that obviously platinum lasts a lot longer than white gold, and white gold might have to be re-dipped every few years or so? Is that true? If so, how much does that generally cost each time, and what would you recommend for band? Michelle wants platinum, but personally, I believe she would rather have a bigger diamond, and I would rather her have a bigger one for sure.

What do you think of the diamond above? It’s slightly smaller than the two you sent me, but seems to have better ratings with the cut, colour and clarity. I’ve read that it’s all about the cut, and not SO much size (to an extent). Based on the two you sent me, and the one I’ve pasted above, which would you go with if you were to be choosing out of the three?

Also, like many people, I’m slightly nervous about making such a big purchase online. Do you recommend Blue Nile? Have you dealt with them before? Do you know what they are like with regards to re-sizing and what not? Are they reputable? Anything else you know about them that you think may be useful for me to know? I’m thinking of making most of the purchase with what I have saved, and financing the rest through them. Apparently this gives you a 1.5% savings as well. Would you recommend going along those lines?

Thanks again for all of your help and advice, your service is PRICELESS for nervous guys like me who don’t have a clue about any of this stuff haha.

Steve

A:

Hi Steve,

Yes, white-gold is an alloy and therefore the rhodium plating will need to be re-dipped every few years or so. Depending on your jeweler, it may cost anywhere from $20-$75.

The diamond you selected has very strong blue fluorescence. This would be my only concern. Some diamonds are perfectly fine and show no cloudy or milky appearance from this, but unfortunately some diamonds do. Since Blue Nile doesn’t have actual diamond images, it is unknown if this diamond will exhibit those characteristics or not.

If it were me, I’d definitely go for the .71ct G VS1 that is graded triple 0 ideal from AGS. You will get a guaranteed bright white and brilliant diamond that has been cut to ideal standards. The ASET image on the diamond grading report confirms that this stone has fantastic light performance. (by the way, most people cannot tell the color difference between an F or G colored diamond)

I definitely recommend Blue Nile. When you know what you are looking for then picking out a diamond from their inventory is a piece of cake. They have great customer service, good return policy, and financing so most people love purchasing from them. If you read my Blue Nile review, you’ll see that I have personally ordered from them. I have a video of this too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nyZVSxheU0&feature=player_embedded

I think their financing option is great if you can manage to pay it off before interest occurs. I know of many clients that have chosen this payment option to help them out. 🙂

You are very welcome Steve. Your engagement ring will be gorgeous. Please do send me a picture of it when you get it! Oh, and please purchase this diamond ASAP. I’m not kidding, this time of year diamonds are moving fast (proposals during the holiday season are very popular). I’ve already recommended many diamonds to clients over the past few weeks only to write back to me that their chosen diamond was already sold. Just call Blue Nile and have the put it on hold until you can figure out your financing option.

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